A/n: I don't own any of these characters. And my stories really don't contain any spoilers. Unless I so happen to guess the plot by chance. Thank you ahead of time for reading, and if you reply, it'd be very much appreciated! Thanks and enjoy!

Chapter 1 – The Past

February 2005

After all this time, there she was. Walking towards me. For a moment I couldn't decide whether this was a dream or whether this was actually real. I felt my heart skip a beat as my eyes fell upon her features, but almost as soon as I felt my momentary joy, I felt my heart break yet again. Memories of what used to be flooded my mind. Memories of how we used to be. I had done everything I could have possible done these past few months to erase my memories of CTU. To erase my memories of a past life. To erase her. But now, as I looked at her, even her hair was different. The luscious brown curls I loved curling gently behind her ears were gone. Replaced was long straight hair. Not that it took away from her beauty. But it represented her new life. Her new life without me. And when she finally saw me her eyes no longer held the same passion and love for me. Even for that split moment when I looked into her eyes I didn't even recognize her. And finally, I let out what I had been trying to say to Secretary Heller. "She used to be my wife."

(Lyrics are from R. Kelly "If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time")

How did I ever let you slip away
Never knowing I'd be singing this song some day
And now I'm sinking, sinking to rise no more
Ever since you closed the door

If I could turn, turn back the hands of time
Then my darlin' you'd still be mine
If I could turn, turn back the hands of time
Then darlin' you, you'd still be mine

Funny, funny how time goes by
And blessings are missed in the wink of an eye
Why oh why oh why should one have to go on suffering
When every day I pray please come back to me

If I could turn, turn back the hands of time
Then my darlin' you'd still be mine
If I could turn, turn back the hands of time
Then darlin' you, you'd still be mine

And you had enough love for the both of us
But I, I, I did you wrong, I admit I did
But now I'm facing the rest of my life alone, whoa

If I could turn, turn back the hands of time
Then my darlin' you'd still be mine
If I could turn, turn back the hands of time
Then darlin' you, you'd still be mine

I'd never hurt you (If I could turn back)
Never do you wrong (If I could turn back)
And never leave your side (If I could turn back)
If I could turn back the hands

There'd be nothing I wouldn't do for you
(If I could turn back)
Forever honest and true to you
(If I could turn back)
If you accept me back in your heart, I love you
(If I could turn back the hands)

(If I could turn back)
That would be my will
(If I could turn back)
Darlin' I'm begging you to take me by the hands
(If I could turn back the hands)

I'm going down, yes I am
(If I could turn back)
Down on my bended knee, yeah
(If I could turn back)
And I'm gonna be right there until you return to me
(If I could turn back the hands)

(If I could turn back)
If I could just turn back that little clock on the wall
(If I could turn back)
Then I'd come to realize how much I love you
Love you love you love you
(If I could turn back the hands)

-------

Almost immediately when she looked up she saw him. Her heart clenched at the sight of him. What was he doing here? What did he want now? And why on earth was he in the same room as Secretary Heller? Could it be? No. He couldn't be back here at CTU. She glanced up and saw him look at her and the surprise in his face was evident. She could feel herself losing her control, losing herself in his eyes. But to the world she maintained her composure. She knew that he would see through it, that he would know something was wrong, but she refused to let him read her. She refused to be even near him. After all, she would never forgive or forget what she had seen. Etched into her mind the painful memories of a day that was supposed to be one of great joy. But instead, it turned into the worst day of her life. After all, he had broken her heart…

---------

March 2003

Today was the day. After waiting for long months, today was the day. She would finally get to see him again. Tony was being released today. She didn't know how Jack had managed to convince the President to release Tony early, but she would be forever grateful. She was so excited she had managed to clean the microwave four times. She hadn't felt this nervous since their wedding day. A small smile crept across her face as she remembered that day.

April 2000

He was so nervous. The normally composed Tony was so nervous he kept stuttering during his vows. But the look she would remember forever was the one he gave her while she walked down the aisle. His mouth slightly agape at how beautiful she looked in her wedding gown and of course he looked so handsome in his tuxedo. He couldn't stop smiling that day and of course his smile was infectious to say the least. Even Jack commented about how Tony looked like a Cheshire cat grinning from ear to ear. She had committed to memory the vows her read to her. Never had she heard such sweet things said to her and her eyes watered as she remembered what he had said,

Michelle, my beautiful Chelle, from the moment you walked into CTU I couldn't take my eyes off you. Your smile, your eyes. Everything about you. And for the longest time I didn't want to admit to myself what my heart already knew. I was falling for you. It seems silly now that I'm still so nervous standing up here with you. I mean I've known you for three years now and yet, every time I even look at you, I still get butterflies. I still get nervous and stutter. Call me a sucker for love, but I knew that you were the one when I called you at three in the morning to ask you what you were doing because I missed hearing your voice and instead of screaming at me, you told me you missed me too. You are perfect in every single way. Every night I sit awake in bed for hours sometimes wondering why someone as wonderful as you would be with me. You have given up so much to be with me. You could have easily moved up to a higher position with your qualifications, a job that would ensure your safety at all times. But you sacrificed all that just to be with me. And I cannot give you anything more than my heart. I love you more than life itself and I promise that if you let me, I will spend the rest of my life making you as happy as you have made me. For you have given me a gift that even I do not know if I deserve. Chelle, you are the best thing that's ever happened to me. You taught me not only how to trust, but you taught me how to love. I love you and I give you my heart, my body, my soul, my everything. Te amo."

She held on to his every word. Staring into his deep brown eyes. Eyes that she could get lost in for hours. And when she saw a single tear drop from his eyes she felt tears streaming down her face as well. She could hardly believe it. Tony Almeida, tough guy of CTU was actually crying. And that was when she knew that they would last forever. They would withstand the tests of time and they would grow old with one another. Making good on the promises written in their vows. She had been so excited when the priest pronounced them husband and wife, she could hardly contain herself from jumping into his arms. And as he painstakingly slowly moved towards her, he whispered for her ears only, "I love you" before his lips covered hers in one of the most passionate kisses she had ever had. She kissed back and wrapped her arms around his neck digging her fingers into his gorgeous hair. And when they finally pulled apart, the small crowd cheered loudly for the newlyweds as they went back down the aisle. Tony placed his arm protectively around her waist while politely nodding at the well-wishers but every so often he would steal a glance at her and smile that smile that only he had.

Michelle was on in heaven. She couldn't believe that the man she had loved for so long was actually her husband. And although he looked so handsome in his tux she couldn't help but be excited for that night. He had been so respectful of her that he told her that he would wait until they were married before they made love. Even at one point, when she had felt pressured by Sarah's advances towards Tony, she told him with her best poker face that she was ready to take the next step in their relationship. She was so scared of losing him, especially after Sarah's continual snide comments that she had no idea how to please a man like Tony. And that once he got tired of her, she'd be yesterday's news. And if she didn't put out soon, Tony would get frustrated and leave her for someone who was more willing to satisfy him, someone like Sarah. However, despite her claim that she was ready for them to move to the next level, he had read right through her. He could tell that she wasn't ready for them to sleep together and instead of doing what most other guys would have done; he didn't take advantage of her that night. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her waist and they both fell into a contented slumber.

But their wedding night was nothing but magical. They danced the night away as Tony held her in his strong arms, reluctant to let her dance with anyone else. However, when his mother and sister arrived demanding that they be able to dance with their son and big brother, he couldn't deny them that right. But even as he danced away with his sisters he kept an eye on her. She knew of this. She could feel his eyes on her while she danced with her father and upon catching his eye she smiled a shy smile. A smile that melted his heart. And he was restless when she left the room. Even if it was a quick trip to the ladies' room, he would crane his neck to see where she had gone and would only settle down after she was in his sight again. After all, he had made a promise to Michelle's father that he would do everything in his power to protect her. She was both of their angel's. Finally, after everyone had finally left the wedding, they had their first moments of time alone together. He wrapped his arms around her and whispered, "We're finally alone."

Michelle simply sighed into his chest, content for the moment. Tony then surprised Michelle, who let out a small shriek, by picking her up and carrying her up the stairs to the room. As soon as they were inside he kissed her hard. And she returned his kisses with just as much passion as he gave her. She wasn't sure how they had gotten onto the bed, but as he pulled away from her, he gave her a look of complete adoration and ever the gentlemen, he asked her, "Are you too tired? Cause if you are, we could you know just go to sleep tonight…"

He looked so vulnerable, so scared, and she found it absolutely adorable. But instead of saying anything, she let her actions speak for her and pulled him into another kiss and said, "I've never been more ready in my life." Michelle had had let's just say not the greatest of experiences with men in the past and although she was ready to be with Tony, she was terrified that she would disappoint him. That she wouldn't be good enough for him. She was vulnerable and she told him softly, "Tony, I'm nervous. I mean I want to do this. But I'm still nervous…I mean I haven't exactly had the greatest of experiences with men in my past and…"

Tony saw her vulnerability and simply replied, "Then that guy was a moron." And he slowly began to find the sweet spot on her neck. A spot she didn't even know existed, one that turned her into putty. And after hearing her moan, he smiled, contented that he had found it, and he said to her, "And that is the proverbial Achilles' heel."

"I didn't even know…" And then almost shyly she ventured, "Where's yours?"

Tony looked at her with caring eyes and replied, "That will be for you to find."

Michelle looked up at him with shy eyes, saying, "You mean it? You'll let me touch you?"

Tony looked at her with surprise and then said, "Let me get this through my head. He never told you how stunningly beautiful you are. He never tried to pleasure you – and he didn't want you to touch him while you were together? Then the guy never made love to you Chelle, he just wanted to have sex for his own pleasure. He was just looking for something to pleasure him while giving nothing in return." He studied her carefully as she knowingly came to the realization and said simply, "Oh." He pressed further on the issue saying, "And I'll bet he called you a freeze because you never came."

Michelle became more and more anxious as Tony continued to talk and she nervously bit her bottom lip. Was he angry at her? Did he not want to make love to her anymore? And how did he know all these things? It was like he could read her mind in every single way possible.

Tony then said to her, "Baby, I'm sorry. He's a jerk and he didn't deserve such a wonderful, beautiful, sexy person like you." He lovingly kissed her neck which sent shivers through her body. Noticing her response, Tony then said, "Frigid my ass. He was blaming you for all of his failings as a man. He couldn't please you so he made it seem as if you were too frigid to please. And I promise, that I will never fail you."

And with that Tony proceeded to make love to his wife. His wife. It still sent chills up his spine when he thought of her that way. He thought to himself, Michelle's my wife. How lucky am I? Tony took control of the situation and made it his duty as her husband to teach her what love was really all about. His kisses were long, sensual and hot. In a sense, they drugged her senseless. She forgot about everything except the feel of his lips on hers and as she deepened the kiss, he moaned into his mouth. She could feel his arousal through his dress pants growing and she could feel herself more turned on than ever. It shocked her that one man could make her so weak and so irrational. She slowly unbuttoned his shirt, feeling his well built body, her lips never leaving his. He then proceeded to unhook her bra and for a second she tried to cover herself up. She had never though of herself as sexy. She had brown hair, brown eyes, she was plain. And on top of it, she didn't exactly have the Pamela Anderson "Oh My Good Look At My Boobs" kind of chest. However, Tony cradled her against him and using his fingers, he delicately traced the shape of her breasts. She then muttered, "Not much to see there, I'm pretty flat chested…"

Tony looked deeply into her eyes and said, "Sometimes great things come in small packages, and you're more than enough for me Chelle. The size of your breasts doesn't matter to me. What matters to me is simply being here with you. Holding you in my arms because you are truly the most beautiful creature I've ever laid eyes on." After that, he gave her a cheeky grin and proceeded to flick his tongue around her breast.

"Tony!" she exclaimed both in surprise and pleasure. Finally, when both could restrain themselves no longer, they joined together. She had never experienced such pleasure. Normally it was over before she knew it had started. Most of her ex-boyfriends had been the "wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am" type of lovers. Never once trying to please her. But Tony, Tony was different. They made love for hours, he went slowly, ensuring that she had been pleasured in every way possible before allowing himself to climax. And finally, when they both collapsed from exhaustion she turned away to her side of the bed. Her other boyfriends had never wanted to cuddle after making love. Most of the time, they were fast asleep by the time she turned over to kiss them goodnight. She sighed in content. Tonight was so different. Tony had been the perfect lover in every aspect. And just when she thought her perfect night was coming to an end, Tony wrapped his strong arms around her waist, pulled her close to him and softly sung, "How wonderful life is, now you're in the world…" She felt her heart soar and just when she thought it wasn't possible for her to fall more in love with him, she fell just a little bit more and just a little bit harder.

(Lyrics are from Moulin Rouge, "Your Song")

My gift is my song and this one's for you
And you can tell everybody that this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that it's done
Hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is now you're in the world
I sat on the roof and I kicked off the moss
Well some of the verses well, they...they got me quite cross
But the sun's been kind while I wrote this song
It's for people like you that keep it turned on
So excuse me forgetting but these things I do
You see, I've forgotten if they're green or they're blue
Anyway the thing is what I really mean
Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen
And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that it's done
I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is now you're in the world

-----

March 2003

Michelle could hardly contain her excitement as Jack came over to pick her up. He and Kate had come over in order to welcome Tony back to his life and they could tell Michelle was eager as could be. She was grinning from ear to ear and impatient the whole ride there. Constantly making little remarks about how she wished they were the only car on the road so that she could get to Tony quicker. And finally, after what seemed like forever, they finally arrived she quickly got out of the car and almost sprinted into the waiting room of the prison holding Tony. And finally, after six long months of separation, she saw Tony. He looked disheveled, tired, and he had lost a considerable amount of weight, but to her, he was still the handsome man who swept her off her feet.

And as Jack filled out the proper paperwork, the warden released Tony and Michelle jumped into his arms. She didn't care that people were staring or the fact that she was running in 3 inched heels. All she cared about was getting to Tony. And when she reached him, her lips captured his and she just couldn't get enough of him. He lifted her up in his strong arms as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Then, without warning, he picked her up and twirled her around in circles joyously. He hadn't remembered feeling so happy since the last time he had been with her. The six months had been hell for him. Being confined in a room with many people he had helped put in prison, being restricted to reading books that had titles such as, "Are You Approaching Menopause?" and of course the highly popular, "Martha Stewart: Make Your Own Centerpiece for Your Dinner Party of 20." But worst of all, he had been isolated from Michelle. He had been denied visiting rights so his only form of communication with her were through the letters that he was allowed to get once a week.

He had doubted at times whether or not she would stay with him, especially when he thought that he would be put away for life. She deserved more than that. She deserved a husband who could be at home with her, a husband who could support her properly, and at that time he met neither of the two requirements. But seeing her now, she looked more beautiful than ever. He was so overjoyed to see her, he kept placing kisses along her neck, on her face, on anything he could get his lips on without publicly disgracing both of them. They had gone home that night to a quiet meal, ordering in Chinese while they both sat there, content in each other's arms. She laid her head on his chest as he gently stroked her hair. She hadn't felt so complete in such a long time. He completed her. He was her other half. And now that they were together, everything was perfect. They had made love that night. Both of them desperate for the other's touch. She was glad that he hadn't changed in that category. He was still as loving and passionate as before. But she did notice that something about him had changed. She couldn't quite place her hand on it, but she knew that Tony was different. There was something different about his eyes. The eyes that she had loved so much had changed. Something that he hadn't told her yet, but for the present time, she was willing to just enjoy being held in his arms. And for that moment, everything was perfect…or at least she thought…